The Christmas Elf & I - 8. Epilogue

It has been five years since Lucien and I mated. Almost seven years since we first met. I sat heavily in the chair as I looked out over the smiling faces of the other Counselors of the High Counsel. There were smiles as well as nods of welcome. Having been five weeks since I had last attended a meeting, it was nice to see everyone again. Anston is practically carrying me around, or Riven does, if he is busy. Proud big brothers that they are. I smirked over at Lucien when his hand took mine under the table.

“This is your fault.” I whispered, and he smiled broadly as he nodded. Hand rubbing his stomach to indicate what I did to him.

He was also carrying a child of ours. I was 6 months ahead of him in that regard, but have had a few issues. Specifically, keeping my food down. But, I’m past that now. And I look forward to relieving myself of the extra weight in my belly and carrying it in a more comfortable position in a few more months. Like a head resting on my shoulder. Spitting up on my husband. Possibly having a meeting to attend when the diapers need to be changed. Our first son, Rhys, is now four years old. Lucien carried him to term as I had other items that needed to be completed before I allowed him to induce me into that state. And now I am. Morning sickness and all. I wouldn’t change a thing as I now understand how mothers feel. It is a different perspective than being the father. A different connection. My body is supplying the nutrients for our second son. Just like Lucien’s body provided the nutrients for our first and now, we think, our first daughter. We’ll confirm that next month when he ends the first trimester. One thing about carrying a child. Our glows have changed. My silver to his gold. Both carry more flecks of white and red. It was interesting to see the red develop in my aurora during the first months of the first pregnancy. The Queen Mother had explained that now the white represented the children Lucien had with Anthony and the red represents our children. And the Queen and King parents were the perfect grandparents. Here three times a week to care for Rhys as we worked. They are planning on doing it again when the next two are born. Which will keep them occupied for a few years. The King Father even told me he was bored in retirement and had thought the Queen Mother’s idea was perfect to give them something meaningful to do. An internal shake brought me back to the High Council Chamber, and we got down to the business of the day for the Realm.

Childbirth. It was rough going, and the potion tasted like a bitter chalk, but I understand now why Lucien and Anthony had 6 children. The delivery was fine. Nothing a little magic couldn’t handle and if I could sell that in the human world…Instant Trillionaire. I think we may have even more, but we shall see. Anston, of course, as well as Riven, have been the perfect big brothers to Rhys, Brekrae and Shalia. As our first daughter, Shalia has garnered more attention from the grandparents. Which I warned them not to treat anyone above the others. Which made the King laugh heartily as he bowed and replied, yes your Majesty.

Lucien and I had a few discussions over the years about Traeliorn. They finally mated two years ago, and Ariel is now pregnant with the first child. Which moves us from parent to grandparent status. Which also means that Lucien has decided to enlarge the castle to accommodate all the new children and Ariel’s family. The finest craftsmen from throughout the Realm arrived to design our new home. Lucien had me work with them as it would be my home, too. And I wanted certain additions made that would make my work easier. Once the final design was completed, it only took them two weeks to add on over sixty thousand square feet of space. Fifty percent of that was the family office space and entertainment area. Twice the size of the original. The original section of the family residence was split into four apartments for our oldest children. Drystan had approached us a year ago and announced he was going to mate with Athtar. The date was set for two months from now. Something that made me and Lucien very happy. Iridessa is dating now. Her boyfriend, an Elf, seems to be OK. Lucien and I are both watching with interest as he appears to be terrified of us. That caused the shrug it deserved from me.

Richard

It was another beautiful night as I stepped out onto our private balcony. Lucien followed. We each had a baby in our arms. As evidenced by the soft words to be followed by giggles from little ones as we sat in our favorite seat to watch the stars.

“How many more children?” Asked Lucien slowly. I sighed softly.

“A good question. Do you have stretch marks yet?” Lucien snorted before he started to laugh. We don’t get stretch marks, thanks to the magic.

“I do not. But possibly we should check each other tonight.”

“I believe we should, my beloved husband.” I said seductively. I’m sure there is more potion to drink tonight and we will have another. I think it will be my turn again to carry the child to term. I could do without the morning sickness, but love carrying a child. An hour later, the youngest ones were placed in their beds before we returned to ours for personal explorations.

The End… for this year.